Things I wish I knew before learning to crochet 🍒♥️

As someone who started crocheting relatively recently (~2 months ago), I know how difficult and overwhelming it can be getting started and how easy it is to get influenced by crochettok and YouTube. Here I’m gonna share some tips and things I wish I knew when I started learning to crochet and maybe a #storytime or too hehe 😋

1) You don’t need one of those massive starter kits on Amazon or tiktok shop! I got this big ol’ box on Amazon and the only thing I’ve used from it are the crochet hooks, stitch markers, and darning needles. The yarn is super bad quality and I wish I just got a good quality set of hooks and some skeins of yarn at the store instead and saved myself a few bucks. All you really need to learn how to crochet is some yarn (I recommend having at least black and white, then you can get skeins in other colors you like and know that you’ll use often!), a set of hooks, a plastic needle to weave in your ends depending on the project, scissors, and a Bobby pin to use as a stitch marker! A lot of tutorials will also list the supplies needed for a project but you’ll generally need what I just listed for most projects!

2) Watch tutorials on YouTube to learn the basic stitches and techniques before you try more complicated patterns! Before learning a project, I recommend learning how to do a slip knot, make a chain, slipstitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and triple crochet stitch. You should also learn how to finish off a project, as well as weave in your ends so it doesn’t fall apart (totally not speaking from experience there 😵‍💫)! The magic ring/magic circle is usually the biggest thing beginners struggle with, but the good thing is there are a million different ways to do one (and a million different YouTubers who show you how 😉)

My favorite crochet YouTubers are Mahum 🎀, TL Yarn Crafts, lilthings crochet, vvw.studio, chubbiesbyash, Elise rose crochet, and crochetcrys. They all have a variety of different tutorials, patterns, aesthetics, and teaching styles so you’re bound to find something that sticks. If they don’t work out for you, there is certainly a YouTuber who does! You just have to dig around until you find someone that speaks to you :) It’ll also help if you have someone in your life that knows how to crochet and can give you some tips. For me, my cousin learned a few years ago so she helped me learn how to make a magic ring, how to do different stitches, and how to read patterns!

3) Start off with smaller projects! Once you get the hang of the techniques, it’s good to make small little projects like bag charms, keychains, pouches, and granny squares since they’re usually simple and quicker to finish rather than a giant tapestry. I made so many bag charms like the Lily of the valley and blue flower you see since I just wanted to practice as much as I could. Plus, finishing a project will give you a boost of confidence and motivation that you’ll need to keep learning and improving!

4) YouTube and Pinterest will be your best friends for getting started and finding inspiration, but time and patience are crucial! As a perfectionist, I almost gave up because I hated how my first projects were coming out. I was almost completely discouraged but I realized that no one is perfect overnight and the only way I can get better is if I keep practicing! I still struggle with my tension, but practice makes progress! It’s surreal to think that a couple months ago I couldn’t even make a circle without screaming at my pillow and now I’m making all sorts of charms, coasters, and decor!

So… are you ready to start learning how to #crochet ? I hope these tips and such were helpful. If you have any questions, suggestions, or need recommendations, be sure to comment them so we can all help each other out :)

#crochetforbeginners #crochettips #crochetinspiration #lemon8challenge #Lemon8 #Lemon8Diary #advice #letschat